Hat having wide brim and detachable chin strap

ABSTRACT

A hat for a person to wear on the golf course and off the golf course is provided. The hat is lightweight and comfortable to wear and yet is also durable to be worn in all weather conditions. The hat includes a crown and a wide brim than extends around the circumference of the crown to protect the wearer from outdoor weather elements such as sun, rain, wind, and snow. The hat also includes a detachable chin strap that can be removed and stored inside an interior pocket of the hat. In one embodiment, the rear region of the crown includes an opening for receiving a portion of the hair, for example, a ponytail, of the person wearing the hat. This opening can be closed by opposing first and second flaps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to hats that are rugged and durable and yet also lightweight and comfortable. The hat includes a crown and a wide brim than extends around the circumference of the crown to protect the wearer from outdoor weather elements. The hat also includes a detachable chin strap. A person can wear the hat when playing golf on the golf course and also when engaging in recreational activities off the course.

Brief Review of the Related Art

Individuals wear hats for many different reasons today. Hats can protect the wearer from outdoor elements such as sun, wind, rain, sleet, and other conditions. Some people wear specialized hats while participating in athletic activities such as baseball, tennis, boating, golf, skiing, ice skating, and the like. Others wear hats while engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking or walking. Still others wear hats for purely leisure such as when sunning by a swimming pool.

Today, many professional and recreational golfers wear hats when playing golf. Many golf courses offer golfers the choice of driving an electric-powered cart over or walking the course. Some golfers prefer to walk the entire course. Even golfers, who prefer to drive carts, will walk a considerable distance during their round of play. Depending upon the length of the course, speed of play, and other factors, a golfer may walk a few miles in a round. The golfer is exposed to many different weather conditions when walking and playing the course, and some of these conditions may be severe.

For example, the golfer may be exposed to a sweltering sun and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. A golfer also may be exposed to fierce rain, wind, and sleet and these conditions tend to affect playing performance. Many hats provide protection against sunny and rainy conditions and some are made of waterproof material. Some hats also are considered fashionable and golfers enjoy wearing these hat off the course.

For example, Denny, US Patent Application Publication 2016/0374422 discloses a hat having a cowboy hat-style crown for protecting the head from weather elements. A removable brim is attached to the crown by fasteners such as mating snaps, hook and latch, or buttons. The crown and brim may form a hard protective shell around the head of the wearer. In other embodiments, the brim may be made of a softer material than the crown.

Bundy et al., US Patent Application Publication 2016/0360816 discloses a sun/rain hat having a water-resistant liner with a posterior pouch suitable to collect a mass of hair. The liner may be ultraviolet (UV) light resistant. The sun/rain hat may further have either an elastic headband or a drawstring headband to secure the liner around the wearer's head.

Steff, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,230,330 and 6,012,172 disclose waterproof hat constructions and methods for making such hats, wherein a sheet or layer of water-proofing material such as “Gore-Tex” and a sweatband are incorporated into the hat. The waterproof liner is shaped to mirror the structure of the upper hat. The sweatband may be attached to the inside seam of the liner.

McLaughlin, U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,542 discloses a hat made of a flexible material and comprising a crown, a brim, and a pocket secured to the crown. The pocket has an opening at one end and is attached inside-out to the inside of the crown. The bottom of the pocket is located adjacent to where the crown joins the brim. The crown and brim can be stuffed into the pocket when the pocket is turned inside-in so the pocket acts as a storage bag for the crown and brim.

Although some conventional hats are somewhat effective in providing protection against various weather conditions, there is a need for an improved hat. Particularly, there is a need for a hat that is rugged and constructed to protect the golfer against weather elements on the golf course, but that is also stylish and comfortable so it can be worn off the course. That is, the hat should have sufficient strength and durability and yet also be lightweight and comfortable. The present invention provides such hats having improved weather-protective features and comfort. The hat is sufficiently rigid and durable, while also being comfortable to wear and has other advantageous properties, features, and benefits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a hat for a person to wear on the golf course and off the golf course. The hat includes a crown and a wide brim than extends around the circumference of the crown to protect the wearer from outdoor weather elements. The hat also includes a detachable chin strap.

More particularly, the hat comprises: a) a crown portion having an inside surface and outside surface along with a base and top piece; b) a brim that extends outwardly from the crown base and is disposed completely around the perimeter of the crown base; c) a chin strap releasably attached to the brim, wherein the strap has a first end segment for passing through the first aperture of the brim, a second end segment for inserting through the second aperture of the brim, and an intermediate segment disposed between the first and second end segment. In this way, the strap forms a continuous loop and extends along the right and left side of the wearer's face and around their chin area.

In one preferred embodiment, the inside surface of the crown includes a pocket. The pocket can be opened and closed by opposing first and second flaps that can be releasably joined together. Suitable fastening means for the first and second flaps include, for example, connectors, snap buttons, laces, ties, button/button holes, and hook and loop fastener fabric. The hat preferably contains an adjustable tightening member for adjusting the circumference of the crown. The hat can be made from various materials including natural leather, synthetic leather, non-woven materials, natural fabrics, and synthetic fabrics. For example, canvas, straw, linen, and cotton materials may be used.

In one preferred embodiment, the rear region of the crown includes an opening for receiving a portion of the hair of the person wearing the hat. This opening can be closed by opposing first and second flaps. The opening has suitable dimensions so that a wearer can pull their hair through the opening and arrange it in a ponytail. The hat of this invention can protect the wearer from weather conditions such as the sun, rain, wind, and other outside elements. The wide brim makes the hat particularly comfortable and protective for hot, sunny days. The hat of is comfortable and flexible yet it is also durable. The hat of this invention further includes a chin strap that can be easily removed altogether from the hat and then stored inside an interior pocket of the hat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features that are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with further objects and attendant advantages, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the hat of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the hat shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a slide piece for the hat of the present invention, wherein the chin strap can be passed thru the slide piece and the slide piece can be used for adjusting the chin strap;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the slide piece shown in FIG. 3A showing the chin strap being passed thru the slide piece;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the hat of the present invention showing an adjustable tightening member in the rear portion of the hat;

FIG. 4A is a close-up view of the adjustable tightening member shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5A is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of the hat of the present invention showing the interior pocket in a closed position;

FIG. 5B is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of the hat of the present invention showing the interior pocket in an opened position;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the hat of the present invention showing the rear opening in an opened position; and

FIG. 6B is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of the hat of the present invention showing the rear opening in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, where like reference numerals are used to designate like elements, and particularly FIG. 1, one embodiment of the hat of the present invention is generally indicated at (10). The hat (10) includes a crown portion (12) and an integrated brim portion (14) that is disposed completely around the base of the crown (15). The crown portion (12) has a top section (17) and also may include two eyelets (13 a, 13 b) on its side section (19). In this embodiment, the hat (10) has an “Aussie-type” hat style.

Referring to FIG. 2, the hat (10) has an opening so that a person wearing the hat can insert their head and wear it in a normal manner. The hat (10) includes an exposed outer surface (16) and an inner surface (18) that contacts the head. The hat (10) can be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, natural leather, synthetic leather, non-woven materials, natural fabrics, and synthetic fabrics. For example, canvas, straw, linen, and cotton materials may be used. Also, synthetic textile fabrics made from nylons, polyesters, polyolefins, polyurethanes, rubbers, and combinations thereof can be used.

The hat (10) also includes a detachable chin strap generally indicated at (20). The strap (20) forms a continuous loop so the strap extends along the right and left sides of a wearer's face and around their chin area. It should be understood the terms, “lower”, “top”, “upper”, “downward”, “bottom”, “right’, “left”, “proximal”, “distal”, and the like are arbitrary terms used to refer to one position of an element based on one perspective and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

In general, the detachable chin strap (20) includes three segments. The (20) strap includes a first end segment (21) with a clip (25) at its proximal tip for coupling this segment (21) to the brim (14). The strap (20) also includes an opposing second end segment (24) with a clip (25) at its proximal tip for coupling this segment (24) to the brim (14). The first clip (22) may have two relatively small openings, wherein the end segment (21) passes through and form a proximal loop (34). Likewise, the second clip (25) may have two relatively small openings, wherein the end segment (24) passes through and form a proximal loop (34).

The first and second end segments (21, 24) form a continuous loop so there is a third segment, an intermediate loop segment (38), that extends below a slide piece (40). The slide piece (40) is used for adjusting the hat (10) around the face as discussed further below. The intermediate loop segment (38) that extends through the slide piece (40) can be a relatively large or small loop depending upon how the wearer wants to adjust the hat.

The first end segment (21) extends through a first slit (opening) (44) in the brim (14) and is coupled to the brim by clip (25). The second end segment (24) extends through an opposing second slit (opening) (44) in the brim (14) and is coupled to the brim by an opposing clip (25). The point where the first segment (21) is attached to the brim (14) of the hat (10) can be referred to as the first hat attachment point. The point where the second segment (24) is attached to the brim (14) of the hat (10) can be referred to as a second hat attachment point. In this embodiment, the first and second segments (21, 24) are fastened to the hat by simply extending their clips (25) through the respective slits (44). The segments (21, 24) fit tightly and are prevented from slipping through the slits (44) by the clips (25). It is recognized, however, that the first and second end segments (21, 24) can be attached to the brim (14) by other means such as, for example, connectors, clasps, buckles, shackles, spring-loaded clips, snap buttons, laces, ties, button/button holes, hook and loop fastener fabric such as Velcro™, or any other suitable fastening means.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, and 3B, the intermediate loop segment (38) passes through a slide piece (40) comprising a housing (52) containing three channels (55 a, 55 b, and 55 c). The outer edges of the housing can contain ridges (57) so that a person can better grip the slide piece (50) and adjust the strap (20). The pair of relatively small channels (55 a, 55 b) have a relatively small rectangular-shape and are adapted for receiving the two end segments (21, 24) of the chin strap that makes-up the intermediate loop (38). The end segments (21, 24) are fed downwardly and enter the openings on one side of the respective channels (55 a, 55 b) and after exiting these channels, they form a free loop segment (38) on the opposing side of the channels (55 a, 55 b) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the chin strap (20) after being pulled through the lside piece (4) forms a large U-shaped like opening, where a person can insert his/her head through and then place the hat (10) on their head. The hat (10) is balanced and centered on the head. Then, the chin strap (20) can be pulled around the chin and this pulling action tightens the hat (10) on the head. The chin strap (20) may be tightened by the wearer simply pulling downwardly on the free loop (38) of the strap which extends through the slide piece (40). As the loop (38) is pulled, the hat is tightened so that it fits securely and comfortably around the contours of the head.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, the free loop segment (38), which is hanging from the slide piece (40), may be fed upwardly through the slightly curved single channel (55 c) of the slide piece. The free loop (38) may be fed so that it enters the opening on one side of the channel (55 c) and then is pulled upwardly and exits the other side of the channel (55 c). In this manner the free loop (38) does not just hang loosely from the slide piece (40); rather, it is neatly tied-off in the slide piece (40).

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 4A, in one embodiment, the hat also can include an adjustable tightening member (60) for adjusting the circumference of the crown (12) of the hat (10). Preferably, the tightening member (60) is located in the rear section of the crown (12). In this way, the crown (12) can be tightened or loosened so that it better fits the shape of the wearer's head. The crown tightening strap (64) extends from an eyelet (65) in the rear section of the crown (12). The adjustable tightening member (60) includes a housing (62) containing a bore (66) for the tightening strap (64) and a pin member (67) with a corresponding bore (not shown) for the strap. In this way, the two ends of the strap (64) extending from the eyelet (65) can be fed through the bore (66) of the housing (62) and the aligned bore of the pin member (67) to form a free loop (69) that is fed through a rear knob member (68). The pin member (67) is adapted for sliding within the housing (62) so that it can lock the strap (64) in place. When the pin member (67) is engaged by pushing it into the housing (62), the tightening strap (64) is locked and the perimeter of the crown (12) is fixed in place. When the pin member (66) is disengaged by pulling it outwardly, the tightening strap (64) is freed so that it then may be lengthened or shortened. This action tightening/loosening adjusts the perimeter of the crown (12) so that the hat (10) can better fit the wearer's head.

The hat (10) of the present invention has many advantages including comfort, flexibility, and durability. The hat is relatively lightweight and can be worn either on the golf course or off-course. That is, a golfer can wear the hat comfortably while walking the golf course or swinging a golf club. The hat also can be worn while engaging in many activities off the golf course such as tennis, boating, and walking and for just plain recreational and leisure purposes. The hat can protect the wearer from weather conditions such as the sun, rain, wind, and other outside elements. The wide brim makes the hat particularly comfortable and protective for hot, sunny days. The hat of the present invention is comfortable and flexible yet it is also durable.

In many conventional hats having a chin strap, a wearer can adjust the strap depending upon weather conditions. For example, the wearer can pull on the strap and tightly secure the hat so that it does not blow away in high winds. Also, the wearer can tighten or loosen the strap depending upon his/her personal preferences. For example, some wearers might prefer to keep the hat loose in all weather conditions. In some cases, spending time on fiddling with the strap can be tiresome and a distraction to playing golf. In play, golfers bend their neck and keep their head down when swinging a club. The strap might distract or interfere with a golfer while they are bending over to address the ball and make a shot. It can be awkward and uncomfortable constantly tightening and loosening the strap. In the present invention, these problems are overcome with a detachable chin strap (20) that can be easily removed and later attached back onto the hat (10). As discussed further below, the chin strap (20) can be stored in an interior pocket of the hat (10).

To remove the chin strap (20), the user grasps one end of the strap between his/her thumb and index finger and pulls the end of the through the opening in the brim of the hat and away from the brim. The user then does the same action on the other end of the strap. In this way, the strap is completely removed. The user can then store the strap in a pocket located in the inside surface of the crown. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 5A, the interior pocket (74) is formed by two flaps (72 a, 72 b) that are joined together to close the pocket and separated to open the pocket.

The flaps (72 a, 72 b) cover a pocket (compartment) that can be used for storing the detachable chin strap (20) as described above. This pocket (74) also can be used for storing any other suitable product such as, for example, keys, headphones, cards, coins, golf tees, ball markers, and the like. The flaps (72 a, 72 b) are fastened together to close the pocket (74). Preferably, hook-and-loop fasteners such as Velcro® fabric fasteners are used to lock the flaps in place. More particularly, the flaps have exterior and interior surfaces. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, tiny hook fasteners (not shown) are arranged on the interior surface of the flap (72 a) and complementary loop fasteners (76) are arranged on the opposing exterior surface of the flap (72 b). When the flaps (72 a, 72 b) are pulled over the opening of the pocket (74), they are releasably attached to by pressing downwardly and mating the complementary hook/loop fasteners together. As shown in FIG. 5A, the flaps (72 a, 72 b), when joined together, form a neatly tailored surface (18) inside of the crown (12). That is, the flaps (72 a, 72 b) form a seamless-like surface—they are not easily detectable. Thus, the hat (10) has a secret compartment (74) when the flaps (72 a, 72 b) are drawn closed, and valuables such as keys, cash, and cards along with the chin strap (20) can be stored in this compartment. Meanwhile, the inside surface of the brim (14) is also fashionable with concentric lines of stitching (78) as also shown in FIG. 5A. In turn, the user may release the flaps (72 a, 72 b) and open the pocket (74) by simply pulling on the flaps upwardly. Preferably, the flaps (72 a, 72 b) may be opened and closed by Velcro™ hook and loop fasteners. Either flap (72 a, 72 b) may contain the hook or loop fasteners, and depending the type of fastener for a given flap, the opposing flap can contain the complementary hook or loop fasteners so that the flaps can be mated together. However, it is recognized that any other suitable releasable opening/closing means for the flaps (72 a, 72 b) can be used such as, for example, zippers, snap-fasteners, tie fasteners, buttons/button holes, and the like.

The hat (10) of this invention is sufficiently rigid so that it will stay in place and prevent a wearer's head region from being exposed to rain and other elements and yet the hat is not excessively tight. The hat has a soft and comfortable “feel” and a person wearing the hat can move easily without the hat blowing away even when the strap is loose or completely removed. As discussed above, in contrast to conventional hats having chin straps, the hat (10) of this invention includes a strap (20) that can be easily removed altogether and then stored in an interior pocket (74) of the hat.

Some women having long hair do not enjoy wearing hats, because they have no “place” for their hair to rest. These women need to “bunch-up” their hair underneath the hat and this can be uncomfortable. When a woman places her hair in a ponytail, it also can be uncomfortable having it hang freely from the hat; and there may be no room for a ponytail holder. Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in one embodiment of the hat (10) of the present invention, the hat includes opposing first and second flaps (80 a, 80 b) that cover an opening (81) in the rear section of the crown (12). The opening (81) is of a suitable size so that a person wearing the hat (10) can pull their hair through the opening and arrange it in a ponytail if desired. A ponytail holder also can fit in this rear opening (81). In general, this rear opening (81) has a width in the range of about 2 to about 4 inches and a height in the range of about 1 to about 3 inches so that a person can pull their hair through the opening easily and comfortably. As also shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the chin strap (20) has been removed from the hat (10) and stored in the interior pocket (74). The hat (10) is lightweight and comfortable to wear and protects against the sun and other weather elements even when the chin strap (20) has been removed. Turning to FIG. 6B, when the opening (81) is not being used, the flaps (80 a, 80 b) can be closed to cover it so the back of the head is not exposed to severe weather elements such as rain, wind, snow, or hail.

When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may be used. Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts of materials and others in the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.

It is understood that the hat constructions described and illustrated herein represent only some embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and additions can be made to the products without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. It is intended that all such embodiments be covered by the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A hat for a wearer, comprising: a crown portion having an inside surface and an outside surface, the crown having a base and a top piece; a brim that extends outwardly from the crown base and is disposed completely around the perimeter of the crown base; the brim having a first aperture for receiving one end of a chin strap; and a second aperture for receiving a second end of a chin strap; a chin strap releasably attached to the brim, the strap having a first end segment for inserting through the first aperture of the brim, a second end segment for inserting through the second aperture of the brim, and an intermediate segment disposed between the first and second end segments, so that the strap forms a continuous loop and extends along the right and left sides of a wearer's face and around their chin area.
 2. The hat of claim 1, wherein the inside surface of the crown includes a pocket.
 3. The hat of claim 2, wherein the pocket is opened and closed by opposing first and second flaps that can be releasably joined together.
 4. The hat of claim 3, wherein the flaps are joined together by a snap button fastener.
 5. The hat of claim 3, wherein the flaps are joined together by hook and loop fabric fasteners.
 6. The hat of claim 3, wherein the flaps are joined together by an opposing button and button hole.
 7. The hat of claim 1, wherein the hat further comprises an adjustable tightening member for adjusting the circumference of the crown.
 8. The hat of claim 1, wherein the crown and brim are made from a canvas fabric.
 9. A hat for a wearer, comprising: a crown portion having an inside surface and an outside surface, the crown having a base, a top piece, a forward region, and a rear region; a brim that extends outwardly from the crown base and is disposed completely around the perimeter of the crown base; the brim having a first aperture for receiving one end of a chinstrap; and a second aperture for receiving a second end of a chinstrap; a chin strap releasably attached to the brim, the strap having a first end segment for inserting through the first aperture of the brim, a second end segment for inserting through the second aperture of the brim, and an intermediate segment disposed between the first and second end segments, so that the strap forms a continuous loop and extends along the right and left sides of a wearer's face and around their chin area; and an opening in the rear region of the crown for receiving a portion of hair of the wearer.
 10. The hat of claim 9, wherein the rear opening is opened and closed by opposing first and second flaps that can be releasably joined together.
 11. The hat of claim 9, wherein the hat further comprises an adjustable tightening member for adjusting the circumference of the crown.
 12. The hat of claim 9, wherein the crown and brim are made from a canvas fabric. 